Cavalia Odysseo - A Great Show

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To the Area III Adult Riders,

I was the lucky recipient of 2 tickets to the Cavalia Odysseo show that were donated to the Area III Adult Riders thanks to India Watson. I had not heard of this show before but as I researched it and talked to people, I found out I was going to be in for a big treat!

I invited my dear friend Jan Reynolds, a former Area III eventer, to join me as a surprise birthday present to her. Carroll Ann Bowers and Danielle Hewitt, two other Area III riders joined me for our trip to Atlanta to have dinner at Veni Vidi Vici (a great Italian restaurant), attend the opening night of the show and do some holiday shopping at Lenox Mall. Kathy Faulk, our collective trainer, was supposed to join us but her father’s health issues kept her from coming along. We sure were sorry she could not join us.

The four of us left Glenwood Farm in Ridgeway, SC on Wednesday, December 7^th and piled into Danielle’s SUV. What a fun ride down there and back, all in the same car trading horse and horse show stories. We are so used to going places with our horses in tow and having to rush around, but this time we could relax, take our time and “enjoy the show”.

 The actual performance was amazing. I would say it was a cross between Cirque de Soliel, Dressage, Western Trick Riding and fantastic dance troops ala Las Vegas Style but with much more elegance, all wrapped up in one. They even had live musicians and a live singer, all of whom were wonderful. The backdrop of the stage was like a huge TV screen with ever-changing scenery of trees, mountains, landscapes, snow, rain, falling leaves, etc. The show’s lighting could make the footing look snowy, wet or rugged. Amazing what they can do with lights and technology.

The horses were fantastic too. They have 72 horses in the show, from Lusitanos to Arabians, Quarter horses, Percherons, and a breed called Ardennais. See this link for details of the horses and the show set: http://www.cavalia.net/files/cavalia/odysseo_press_kit_atlanta_6.pdf

The best part of the show for me was seeing the horses at liberty. They would move around the stage on their own with no apparent direction from humans. In one scene, the curtain opened and revealed all of the horses lying down, some with people leaning on them or draped over them. How amazing to see so many horses all down and snuggling with their human partners.

I could go on and on about the show. I hope those of you who read this will take the opportunity to go see the show. It really was quite amazing and what a treat for me to be able to spend it with my riding friends and to have received the tickets through Area III Adult Riders. Thank you to all the sponsors of the Adult Riders. I am so appreciative and grateful!

Anne Wilson

NOTE:  In Atlanta through January 8th.  For show times and ticket prices go to www.cavalia.net .